Two face June trial in stolen weapons case

Published 10:36 am, Monday, April 25, 2016

Appearing a week apart in Huron County Circuit Court, Christopher D. Johnsonbaugh, 29, and Steven E. Suerwier, 21, were arraigned on felony charges of receiving and concealing a stolen weapon and a felony firearms charge.

The two, represented by separate attorneys, stood mute to both of the charges against them.

Huron County prosecutors say the charges Johnsonbaugh and Suerwier are facing came after police recovered stolen guns during a "buy/bust" at Johnsonbaugh's home on Thomas Road near Bad Axe.

According to Huron County Prosecutor Mark J. Gaertner, a confidential informant contacted the Bad Axe Police Department and the Huron County Sheriff's Office on Dec. 29, offering information about weapons that were believed to have been stolen from the Steven L. Craig residence near Elkton on Dec. 14.

A search warrant was prepared and law enforcement officials returned to the Thomas Road residence to search for other stolen guns.

When police arrived, Johnsonbaugh was arrested and lodged in the Huron County Jail. Suerwier, also at the home when police arrived, was questioned by police but not arrested.

Gaertner said police continue to investigate the theft of about 18 guns and a safe belonging to Craig, valued at nearly $7,000.

If convicted of receiving and concealing a stolen weapon, both men face a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine. The second felony charge of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, if convicted, carries a two-years in prison sentence before any other sentence would begin.

Johnsonbaugh is free on bond awaiting the June 14 jury trial. Suerwier's bond, set at $5,000/10 percent, has not been posted. He remains lodged in the Huron County Jail until the jury trial.